Ajay Mitchell’s Absence Highlights Thunder’s Vulnerabilities in Back-to-Back Losses to Spurs
The Oklahoma City Thunder have experienced a breakthrough this season, largely due to the emergence of second-year point guard Ajay Mitchell. His presence has seamlessly integrated into an already formidable championship core, providing essential secondary ball handling alongside superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. As he continues to establish himself as a contender for both the Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year awards, Mitchell has made a significant impact through his 29 games, averaging 14.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His shooting numbers—47.1% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc on 3.1 attempts per game—reflect his offensive prowess.
Mitchell’s Multifaceted Contribution
Beyond mere statistics, Mitchell’s value lies in his perimeter defense and his ability to facilitate patiently, serving as the floor general during the minutes Gilgeous-Alexander rests. His knack for orchestrating the offense in half-court settings complements the speed of Oklahoma City’s transition-heavy role players, enhancing the overall team dynamics.
However, the true importance of Mitchell came to light during the Thunder’s recent two-game set against the San Antonio Spurs on December 23 and Christmas Day. Missing due to the NBA’s concussion protocol, Mitchell’s absence was starkly felt as the Thunder dropped both games by margins of 15 points or more—a disheartening first since the 2021-22 season, when they managed just 24 wins.
Offensive Struggles Without Mitchell
In the two losses, the Thunder’s vulnerabilities were glaringly exposed by a determined Spurs squad. With Gilgeous-Alexander off the court, Oklahoma City’s offense stagnated, leading to choppy ball movement and a scarcity of open looks. The Spurs capitalized on these weaknesses, scoring consistently and applying relentless pressure.
Compounding the Thunder’s struggles was the inconsistent performance of Jalen Williams, the team’s secondary scoring option and ball handler. Still working to regain his pre-injury form following offseason wrist surgery, Williams faced a challenging series. On December 23, he managed 17 points on 8-of-18 shooting but faltered on Christmas, finishing with just 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting and a disappointing 1-of-4 from the free-throw line, scoring a mere three points after the first quarter.
Reliance on Young Players
While Williams possesses the talent to excel, his recent performances underscore a potentially concerning reliance on young players like him, especially in high-pressure situations. The Thunder’s reliance on Mitchell and the repercussions of his absence against a team they had previously defeated with him in the lineup cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence.
When Mitchell is in the game, the flow of the offense transforms; the ball moves more fluidly, and scoring opportunities arise more organically. This recent stretch without him raises a poignant question for the Thunder: what strategies will they implement should Mitchell be sidelined come playoff time? Coach Mark Daigneault and his staff will undoubtedly seek solutions to improve their performance against teams like the Spurs, but the current situation serves as a wake-up call regarding the team’s depth and resilience.
